By Kena Paranjape of In Life & In Fashion

Getting dressed for work should be easy.  No one has time to rifle through their wardrobe and accessories before racing out the door in the morning.  At the same time, you don’t want to arrive at work and realize too late you are wearing different colour socks!  My suggestion (and personal strategy) is to rely on the essentials and fill in with the rest of the contents of your closets.  With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of ten must have’s for your work wardrobe.  With these pieces you should be able to get dressed with ease and arrive at work looking stylish and polished.  

1. Pencil Skirt – a pencil skirt is an instant grown-up look.  Tuck in a silk blouse or pair with a fitted v-neck sweater for an easy chic outfit.

2. Wide Leg Trousers – go for charcoal rather than black as it looks more sophisticated when paired with colour

3. A Fantastic Blazer – don’t feel that you have to stick with a basic black boring blazer!  Choose something that fits you perfectly and you love – you will find ways to work it into your wardrobe.  (Tip: this is an item worth splurging on)

4. Mid-Heel Closed Toe Pump – an absolute must-have.  Choose a heel you can wear all day with or without tights.  Closed toe means you don’t have to worry about a pedicure to slip them on.

5. Tie-Neck Blouse – this item may not appear on other must have lists, but consider it a new must have!  A tie neck blouse is a fun way to replace the classic white shirt.  It also looks great under a v neck sweater (see #6).

6. V-Neck Sweater – layer over a tank or blouse.  Choose cashmere for winter and a fine-gauge cotton for spring and summer.

7. Cardigan Sweater – if you find a cardigan you love, buy as many as you can afford.  You will wear them more than any other item in your wardrobe!  Depending on your work environment choose classic or embellished or longer styles. 

8. Silk Tank – another item not found on most must have lists, however, a silk tank is the perfect day-to-night top.  Tuck it into a pencil skirt or trouser with a jacket for day, and off comes the jacket at night!  A silk tank is a good place to add a print to your work wardrobe as well.

9. Flats – be creative with your flats – try a print or patent, a bow or a buckle.  Wear flats on trousers or a-line skirts and dresses but avoid pairing with pencil skirts. 

10. Dress – I am purposefully avoiding being too specific here.  Depending on your work environment you can go for a bold print or may prefer a simple, solid sheath. Either way you can easily personalize with accessories so make it your own!